BlueSky Thinking Summary

The recent Google antitrust trial is a defining moment in U.S.

legal history and an attack on Big Tech's dominance.

The case in question is whether Google is engaging in anticompetitive practices by requiring, through contracts with Apple and Samsung, that it be the default search engine on major devices.

Critics say the agreements stifle competition and harm consumer choice, while Google defends itself by saying its market position stems from superior product quality, not coercion.

At stake in the trial, though, are even more basic debates about the outmoded "consumer welfare standard" of antitrust law, which places price and efficiency way above broader impacts on society.

The Google case—if ruled against—will remake tech regulation, compelling structural changes to the company tantamount to the historic breakup of AT&T.

The result will likely set the course for future antitrust action.